Holiday Hazards for Dogs

Tag Archives: keeping dog safe during holidays

Happy Holidays! As the holiday season ramps up into full swing, many of us are busy cooking, decorating, and shopping. It’s always wonderful to catch up with friends and family members, and enjoy some quality time over a delicious meal. However, this can be a dangerous season for Man’s Best Friend! If you have a dog, you’ll want to be sure to keep Fido’s safety in mind. Read on as a local Fort Collins, CO vet lists some holiday hazards for dogs.

Food

Fido definitely has a healthy appetite, and will gladly help you sample new recipes. Your canine friend definitely deserves a yummy treat, but be sure to only give him foods that are safe for him. Some of the things to avoid include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; pitted fruits, especially avocados; nuts; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; grapes, currants, and raisins; raw foods; and anything containing xylitol. Meat on the bone is another no-no, as cooked bones are quite brittle and can break easily. This can cause serious internal injuries! To get that tail wagging, give your pup some plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry, without the bones, skin, or fat.

Decorations

Decorations really give your home a special look, but they can be dangerous to dogs. Trees are one hazard. Tinsel, ribbons, lights, and garlands pose serious risk of choking and entangling your pooch. The water is also dangerous, as it could contain toxic residues from pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. Fido can also hurt himself by stepping on or playing with ornament hooks or fragile ornaments.

Heaters

If you use your fireplace, be sure to put a protective grate on it. Also, keep candles and potpourri burners in high, secure spots, where your pup can’t reach them.

Trash

Man’s Best Friend definitely isn’t shy about looking through the garbage in the hopes of snagging some leftovers. After a big holiday feast, the trash could contain toothpicks, bones, tin foil, can lids, and many other hazards. Use a garbage can with a secure lid.

Weather

Cold weather is just as hard on our canine buddies as it is for us. Limit Fido’s outdoor time on frigid days. If your furry friend has thin fur, get him a doggy sweater or jacket to keep him warm.